Engineer’s Day 2024: Top 10 renowned engineers of India

In recent years, the sector has experienced significant growth driven by increased infrastructure and industrial production investments, underscoring its strategic importance to the Indian economy.

Every year on September 15, India observes Engineers’ Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most distinguished engineers.

This day recognises the invaluable contributions and achievements of engineers across the nation.

Born on September 15, 1861, Visvesvaraya was a prominent Indian engineer and statesman celebrated for his groundbreaking work in civil engineering and his substantial contributions to infrastructure development in India.

Often referred to as “the builder of India,” his innovative projects in irrigation and infrastructure established the groundwork for modern engineering practices in the country.

Visvesvaraya is particularly renowned for designing the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore and for his role as a chief design engineer in developing a flood protection system for Hyderabad.

In recognition of his public service, he was knighted in 1955 as a Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE) by King George V, earning the prefix “Sir.”

Engineers’ Day is not only celebrated in India but also Sri Lanka and Tanzania in his honour. In 2024, Engineers’ Day will be observed on Sunday, September 15.

Engineer’s Day 2024: Inspiring and famous engineers from India

As we celebrate National Engineer’s Day today, here are some of the famous and esteemed Indian engineers, highlighting their remarkable contributions to their respective fields and inspiring future generations in engineering and beyond.

1. Sir M. Visvesvaraya:

Sir M. Visvesvaraya

Starting from the man behind the day, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962), has been credited for his role as a civil engineer and administrator in colonial India. Often referred to as “the builder of India,” Visvesvaraya has played a role in major public works projects across the nation. His innovative projects in irrigation and infrastructure established the groundwork for modern engineering practices in the country.

2. E Sreedharan:

Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, an Indian civil engineer and former IRSE officer, is known as the “Metro Man” of India. He transformed India’s public transportation system and served as managing director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation from 1995 to 2012. He led major metro projects in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kochi and is on the advisory board for upcoming projects in Lucknow, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Coimbatore. Sreedharan received Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri for his contributions to public transportation.

3. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam:

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

A renowned scientist and aeronautical engineer, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam built India’s rocket and missile technology, earning the title of “Indian missile man.” He worked for DRDO and ISRO, oversaw the development of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, and contributed to the Pokhran II nuclear test. He served as India’s chief scientific advisor and 11th President.

4. Satish Dhawan:

Satish Dhawan (ISRO)

The leading figure in pioneering experimental fluid dynamics research in India was Satish Dhawan. An accomplished mathematician and aerospace engineer, he initiated his academic journey in India before pursuing advanced studies in the United States. Dhawan made significant contributions to the exploration of boundary layers and turbulence and played a pivotal role in steering the innovative development of the Indian Space Programme. Notably, he assumed the position of chairman at the Indian Space Research Centre (ISRO) after two predecessors.

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5. Vinod Dham:

Vinod, a computer pioneer, invented the Pentium microprocessor chip and co-invented the SD card, AMD K6, and Intel’s Flash Memory Technology (ETOX). He later became Vice President of Intel Co.’s Microprocessor Group and serves on advisory boards for corporations and start-ups funded by Indo-US Venture Partners. He is also an entrepreneur and venture capitalist.

6. Verghese Kurien:

Verghese Kurien

Verghese Kurien, known as the “Milk Man of India,” is credited with the “white revolution,” which transformed India into a self-sustaining milk production nation. He invented the Anand dairy cooperative model, which tripled milk yield in 30 years and made India the largest milk exporter, surpassing the US by 21% of the world’s market share.

7. D. Naidu:

Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, an Indian engineer and inventor, is known as the wealth creator of Coimbatore and the “Edison of India.” Despite dropping out of school, he is credited with producing India’s first electric motor. Naidu contributed to various fields, including electrical, mechanical, agricultural, and vehicle engineering. He also created a four-stroke internal combustion engine and was known for his charitable efforts.

8. Kalpana Chawla:

Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, graduated from Punjab Engineering College and the University of Colorado with a doctorate in aerospace engineering. She made her first space flight in 1997 and a second flight in 2003. Tragically, she and her crew died during their return journey.

9. Satyan Pitroda:

Sam Pitroda, born in 1942 in Titlagarh, Odisha, is an Indian inventor, industrialist, and telecom engineer. He played a crucial role in introducing computerisation and revolutionising India’s technology, earning him the title “Father of India’s Computer and IT Revolution.”

10. N. R. Narayana Murthy:

N. R. Narayana Murthy

Narayana Murthy is an Indian IT businessman who co-founded Infosys. Murthy was born on August 20, 1946, in Kolar District, Karnataka. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the National Institute of Engineering. After that, he earned a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur. Murthy launched Infosys in 1981 with an initial capital of Rs 10,000 (US$ 250), and the firm is currently worth $9.501 billion.